Paper-based cooler

ABSTRACT

A disposable and recyclable cooler (300) made of paper coated with a polymer. Some embodiments of the present invention transform from a first configuration that snugly retains a set of beverage containers to a second, expanded configuration that retains ice proximate the beverage containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.08/322,779 filed Oct. 13, 1994, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,343on Dec. 10, 1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging methods and structures and inparticular, to a substantially water tight carton made of paper that iscoated with a polymer, and applicable in the fields of relatively shortterm storage and/or transportation of food, drink, medicine, etc. to bekept cooler than ambient temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conventional cooler or ice box is one common solution to the needfor storage and/or transportation of items to be cooled or kept coolrelative to ambient temperature. A typical application for theconventional cooler is directed toward the desirability of having coolbeverages at a remote location. The cooler is filled with a coolingsource, such as ice, and the desired beverage(s), whether in cans,bottles, or other types of containers. The cooler satisfactorilyinsulates the items stored therein and thereby maintains the beverage(s)at a relatively cool temperature over the course of a day. However, theconventional cooler is nonetheless inconvenient in certain respects. Forexample, the conventional cooler is somewhat expensive to purchase; isrelatively cumbersome to handle and store; and is typically unavailablefor use on the spur of the moment. Thus, there exists room forimprovement to known methods and apparatus for keeping items cooler thanambient temperature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a sheet of paper iscoated with a water sealant and subsequently folded into a cartoncapable of storing ice together with one or more items to be kept coolerthan ambient temperature. The paper carton is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture and distribute. The low cost of the paper carton and itsamenability to being distributed in sheet form render the carton lesscumbersome to handle and more conveniently made available for purchasethrough convenience stores and the like. The paper carton is also easyto use and readily disposable, as well, because the paper is repulpabledespite the water proof coating.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an otherwiseconventional carton for beverage containers is modified to beselectively expandable to accommodate ice or some other cooling sourceproximate the beverage containers. By incorporating the functionalaspects of a conventional cooler or ice box into a case of beer, forexample, the present invention eliminates altogether the need for aconventional cooler or ice box and the inconveniences associatedtherewith. These advantages of the present invention and others willbecome apparent from the description of the present invention thatfollows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment carton constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, depicting thecarton in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the carton shown in FIG. 1, depicting thecarton in a second configuration having increased capacity;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the carton shown in FIG. 2, depicting thecarton in a third configuration providing access to containers packagedwithin the carton;

FIG. 4 is a sectioned side view of the carton shown in FIG. 2, depictingbeverage containers and ice packaged within the carton;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is manipulatable intothe carton shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another sheet of material that is manipulatableinto the carton shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment cartonconstructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment cartonconstructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of yet another carton constructed accordingto the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is manipulatable intothe carton shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of still another carton constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is manipulatable intothe carton shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view of another sheet of material which ismanipulatable into a carton similar in external appearance to the cartonshown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment carton constructed according to the principles ofthe present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS. 1-5. As shown inFIG. 3, the carton 100 has an exterior surface 101 and an interior space102 that is bounded by an interior surface 110. The carton 100 isassembled from a sheet of cardboard or card stock paper, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. The interior surface 110 of thepaper carton 100 is coated with a water resistant material or sealant toenhance the structural integrity of the carton and make the cartoneffectively water tight when in an upright position. The preferredembodiment carton 100 is coated with a substance sold under thetrademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minn. Althoughwater resistant, the paper coated with PROTECOAT 3003 sealant isrepulpable, as well. Although repulpability is a desirable attribute ofthe preferred embodiment carton 100, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other water proof coatings, which are less amenable torepulsing, could be used without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In the carton configuration 129 shown in FIG. 1, the interior space 102includes a First compartment 108 that accommodates beverage containers80. In the carton configuration 139 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the Interiorspace 102 further includes a second compartment 109 that accommodates acooling source, such as ice cubes 90, proximate the beverage containers80. Although ice is well suited to this application because it isinexpensive and environmentally friendly, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other cooling sources could be used in conjunction withthe carton 100 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet of cardboard 100 includes portions whichmay be characterized as a bottom wall 120, a first side wall 121, asecond side wall 123, a first end wall 125, and a second end wall 127.These portions cooperate to define the shape of the first cartonconfiguration 129, which is a rectangular parallelepiped havingdimensions suitable for snugly retaining twelve twelve-ounce beveragecans 80 arranged side by side in a three by four array within the firstcompartment 108. In this first configuration 129 of the preferredembodiment, adjacent cans 80 are retained in contact with one another tomaximize stability of the cans 30 during shipping and handling of thecarton 100, and thereby minimize disruption of the contents of the cans80.

The bottom wall 120 and the first side wall 121 are integrally joined toone another along fold line 122. The bottom wall 120 and the second sidewall 123 are integrally joined to one another along fold line 124. Thebottom wall 120 and the first end wall 125 are integrally joined to oneanother along fold line 126. The bottom wall 120 and the second end wall127 are integrally joined to one another along fold line 128. The foldlines 122 and 124 are substantially parallel to one another, as are thefold lines 126 and 128. The fold lines 122 and 124 are substantiallyperpendicular to the fold lines 126 and 128.

A first corner flap 130 is integrally joined to the first side wall 121along fold line 131, which is co-linear with fold line 126. A secondcorner flap 132 is integrally joined to the first side wall 121 alongfold line 133, which is co-linear with fold line 128. Assembly of thesheet 100 into the carton 100 requires folding of the corner flaps 130and 132 relative to the first side wall 121, along respective fold lines131 and 133, and toward the interior surface 110 of the carton 100.Also, the first side wall 121 is folded relative to the bottom wall 120,along fold line 122, and toward the interior surface 110.

A third corner flap 134 is integrally joined to the second side wall 123along fold line 135, which is co-linear with fold line 126. A fourthcorner flap 136 is integrally joined to the second side wall 123 alongfold line 137, which is co-linear with fold line 128. Assembly of thecarton 100 further requires folding of the corner flaps 134 and 136relative to the second side wall 123, along respective fold lines 135and 137, and toward the interior surface 110 of the carton 100. Also,the second side wall 123 is folded relative to the bottom wall 120,along fold line 124, and toward the interior surface 110. At this pointin the assembly process, the interior surfaces of the side walls 121 and123 generally face one another, as do the interior surfaces of the firstand second corner flaps 130 and 132, and the interior surfaces of thethird and fourth corner flaps 134 and 136.

Adhesive is applied to the exterior surfaces of the corner flaps 130,132, 134, and 136, the interior surfaces of the end walls 125 and 127,or both. The end walls 125 and 127 are then folded relative to thebottom wall 120, along respective fold lines 126 and 128, and toward theinterior surface 110 of the carton 100. The adhesive secures the cornerflaps 130 and 134 to the end wall 125, and the corner flaps 132 and 136to the end wall 127, thereby forming the rectangular parallelepiped box129 shown in FIG. 1.

The sheet of cardboard 100 further includes portions which may becharacterized as a first side wall extension or handle panel 140, asecond side wall extension or handle panel 146, a first end wallextension or hinge member 142, and a second end wall extension or hingemember 148. These portions cooperate to enclose the second compartment109 and are sized and configured to retain ice 90 above the beveragecontainers 80 in the first compartment 108. These portions combine withthe box 129 to define the shape of the closed carton configuration 139shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

The first handle panel 140 and the second side wall 123 are integrallyjoined to one another along fold line 141, which is parallel andopposite the fold line 124 between the bottom 120 and the second sidewall 123. The first handle panel 140 and the first hinge member 142 areintegrally joined to one another along fold line 143, which is co-linearwith the fold line 137 and perpendicular to fold line 141. The firsthinge member 142 and the second handle panel 146 are integrally joinedto one another along fold line 145, which is parallel to the fold line143. The first hinge member 142 is also integrally joined to the fourthcorner flap 136 along the fold line 144, which is co-linear with thefold line 141.

A first adjoining flap 150 is integrally joined to the second handlepanel 146 along fold line 151, which is co-linear with the fold line144. The second handle panel 146 is also integrally joined to the secondhinge member 148 along fold line 147, which is parallel to the fold line145. A second adjoining panel 152 is integrally joined to the secondhinge member 148 along fold line 153, which is co-linear with the foldline 151. Also, a fifth corner flap 154 is integrally joined to thesecond hinge member 148 along fold line 155, which is perpendicular tothe fold line 153.

Assembly of the carton 100 requires folding of the first handle panel140 relative to the second side wall 123, along the fold line 141, andtoward the interior surface 110 of the carton 100, and likewise foldingof: the first hinge member 142 relative to the fourth corner flap 136,along the fold line 144; the second handle panel 146 relative to thefirst adjoining flap 150, along the fold line 151; and the second hingemember 148 relative to the second adjoining flap 152, along the foldline 153. The first hinge member 142 is folded relative to the firsthandle panel 140, along the fold line 143; the second handle panel 146is folded relative to the first hinge member 142, along the fold line145; the second hinge member 148 is folded relative to the second handlepanel 146, along the fold line 147; and the fifth corner flap 154 isfolded relative to the second hinge member 148, along the fold line 155,all folds bringing interior surfaces toward one another.

Adhesive is applied to the exterior surfaces of the fourth and fifthcorner flaps 136 and 154 and to the exterior surfaces of the adjoiningflaps 150 and 152 to secure portions of the upper compartment relativeto adjacent, non-integral portions of the upper compartment and lowercompartment, and thereby secure the sheet 100 into the cartonconfiguration 149 shown in FIG. 3.

Each of the hinge members 142 and 148 includes an adjacent pair of uppersquare portions 161 and 162 which are integrally joined along fold line160. The square portions 161 and 162 define a first rectangular areaapproximately equal in size and shape to a second rectangular area thatis segregated into three isosceles right triangles. One of the shortersides of the first triangle 164 is integrally joined to the first squareportion 161, along fold line 163, and the other shorter side shares thefold line 147 with the second handle panel 146. One of the shorter sidesof the second triangle 166 is integrally joined to the second squareportion 162, along fold line 165, and the other shorter side shares thefold line 155 with the fifth corner flap 155.

The third triangle 168 is twice as large as each of the first triangle164 and the second triangle 166. The hypotenuse of the first triangle164 is integrally joined to one of the shorter sides of the thirdtriangle 168, along fold line 167. The hypotenuse of the second triangle166 is integrally joined to the other shorter side of the third triangle168, along fold line 169. The hypotenuse of the third triangle 168shares the fold line 153 with the second adjoining panel 152.

The operation of the hinge members 142 and 148 is perhaps best describedwith reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, as well as FIG. 5. Movement of opposingfold lines 160 toward one another causes each pair of adjacent squares161 and 162 to fold toward one another and causes the handle panels 140and 146 to move toward one another. Each pair of smaller triangles 164and 166 folds toward a respective larger triangle 168, and each largertriangle 168 folds toward the lower compartment 108 to accommodatemovement of the handle panels 140 and 146 toward one another. As thehandle panels 140 and 146 converge, one can easily bring upper portions171 thereof together and proceed to secure the carton in the secondconfiguration 139 by securing the handles panels relative to one anotherby means of adhesive strips 117, as shown in FIG. 2, and/or by insertingone or more digits 70 through aligned openings 170 in the handle panels,as shown in FIG. 4. Fold lines 118 extend across the handle panels 140and 146 just beneath the handle openings 170 to facilitate abutment ofthe upper portions 171 thereof.

Fold lines 119 extend across the handle panels 140 and 146 and areco-linear with the fold lines 163 and 165 on the hinge members 142 and148. In the preferred embodiment carton 100 shown in FIG. 1, the foldline 119 across the panel 140 facilitates folding of the handle panel140 back against itself to arrive at the carton configuration 129. Inthis configuration 129, the exterior surfaces of each pair of smallertriangles 164 and 166 face the exterior surface of a respective largertriangle 168, and the squares 161 and 162 face one another. The handlepanel 146 substantially covers the other upper compartment components,as well as the lower compartment 108, where the beverage containers 80are stored in much the same manner (including size and configuration) asin conventional cartons for beverage containers.

A consumer in possession of the carton 100 has the option of using thecarton as a cooler or ice box. He or she simply (1) peels or cuts thetape 117 from the carton configuration 129 shown in FIG. 1; (2) unfoldsthe handle panels 140 and 146 to arrive at the carton configuration 139shown in FIG. 2; (3) separates the handle panels 140 and 146 to arriveat the carton configuration 149 shown in FIG. 3; (4) places ice 90 ontop of the beverage cans 80; and (5) brings the upper portions 171 ofthe handle panels 140 and 146 back into abutment to arrive at the cartonconfiguration 139 shown in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the preferred embodiment carton 100 requires relativelyfew changes to existing cartons for beverage containers and theprocesses of making and using same, and does add substantially to thebulk of such cartons.

As shown in FIG. 6, the alternative sheet of card stock paper 200similarly includes portions which may be characterized as a bottom wall220, a first side wall 221, a second side wall 223, a first end wall225, and a second end wall 227. Like their counterparts on the sheet 100shown in FIG. 5, these portions cooperate to define a first compartmentsized and configured to snugly retain twelve twelve-ounce beverage cansarranged side by side in a three by four array. The cardboard sheet 200further includes portions which may be characterized as a first handlepanel 240, a second handle panel 246, a first hinge member 242, and asecond hinge member 248. These additional portions cooperate to define asecond compartment sized and configured to retain ice above the beveragecontainers in the first compartment. The side walls, end walls, handlepanels, and hinge members of the cardboard sheet 200 are functionallyequivalent to those described above with reference to the cardboardsheet 100 shown in FIG. 5.

A first fold line 290 separates the bottom wall 220 from the first sidewall 221. A second fold line 291, which is parallel to the first foldline 290, separates the side walls 221 and 223 and end walls 225 and 227from the handle panels 246 and 240 and hinge members 248 and 242,respectively. A third fold line 292, which is perpendicular to the firstand second fold lines 290 and 291, separates the second side wall 223and first handle panel 240 from the second end wall 227 and first hingemember 242, respectively. A fourth fold line 293, which is parallel tothe third fold line 292, separates the second end wall 227 and firsthinge member 242 from the first side wall 221 and second handle panel246, respectively. The fourth fold line 293 also separates a firstconnecting flap 280 from the bottom wall 220.

A fifth fold line 294, which is parallel to the fourth fold line 293,separates the first side wall 221 and second handle panel 246 from thefirst end wall 225 and second hinge member 248, respectively. The fifthfold line 294 also separates a second connecting flap 281 from thebottom wall 220. A sixth fold line 295, which is parallel to the fifthfold line 294, separates a third connecting flap 254 from the secondhinge member 248 and separates a fourth connecting flap 282 from thefirst end wall 225. A seventh fold line 296, which is parallel to thefirst fold line 290, separates a fifth connecting flap 283 from thebottom wall 220. An eighth fold line 297, which is parallel to thesecond fold line 291, extends across the handle panels 240 and 246 andthe hinge members 242 and 248, intermediate the upper edges thereof andthe second fold line 291.

After the sheet 200 has been folded along the fold lines 290-297,adhesive is applied to the exterior surfaces of the connecting flaps.The first connecting flap 280 interconnects the bottom wall 220 and theinterior of the second end wall 227. The second connecting flap 281interconnects the bottom wall 220 and the interior of the first end wall225. The third connecting flap 254 interconnects the second hinge member248 and the interior of the first handle panel 240. The fourthconnecting flap 282 interconnects the first end wall 225 and theinterior of the second side wall 223. The fifth connecting flap 283interconnects the bottom wall 220 and the interior of the second sidewall 223. The other interconnections between walls, hinge members, andhandle panels are inherent in the integral nature of the sheet 200. Thecardboard sheet 200 of FIG. 6 may be preferred over the cardboard sheet100 of FIG. 5 to the extent that it requires one less fold line and fourless connecting flaps to assemble the carton 100.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is designated as 300in FIG. 7. The carton 300 is similar to the preferred embodiment 100 tothe extent that it likewise has a first compartment 308 sized andconfigured to snugly retain twelve twelve-ounce beverage cans 80arranged side by side in a three by four array. However, thisalternative embodiment carton 300 is laterally expandable, rather thanupwardly expandable, to selectively provide a second compartment 309 forretaining ice 90 adjacent the beverage containers 80 in the firstcompartment 308.

At least one of the end walls 327 is secured in accordion-like fashionrelative to the beverage retaining compartment 308. In particular,extended sidewalls, one of which is designated as 374, and extended topand bottom walls, one of which is designated as 377, extend from one endof the carton 300. The extended sidewalls are connected to additionalside wall extensions, one of which is designated as 373, along commonedges at respective fold lines, one of which is designated as 375. Theextended top and bottom walls are connected to additional wallextensions, one of which is designated as 376, along common edges atrespective fold lines, one of which is designated as 378.

Each corner between an adjacent side wall extension and top or bottomwall extension is formed by a folding hinge assembly 379 similar tothose found on boxes of file folders sold under the trademark SMEAD. Theextensions cooperate to form an expandable pocket that is moveable froma first, collapsed configuration, as shown on the far end 325 of thecarton 300 in FIG. 7, to a second, expanded configuration 349 thatprovides an additional compartment 309 for ice 90, as shown on the nearend 327 of the carton 300 in FIG. 7. A slit 399 is formed along anintermediate portion of the fold line 378 to facilitate passage of theice 90 into the compartment 309. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat other additional compartment or pocket arrangements and/orconfigurations may be used in implementing the present invention. Forexample, the side wall extensions 373 and 374 could be triangular inshape, with downwardly converging sides, in which case the cross-sectionof the resulting expanded pocket would be triangular rather thanrectangular.

A pair of elongate slots are formed in the top wall 338 of the carton300 to provide a handle 372. Adhesive strips 317 extend from the sidewalls, one of which is designated as 321, to the end walls 325 and 327to releasably secure the pockets in a collapsed configuration until useof the expanded pocket is desired. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that adhesive may alternatively be deposited between opposingwalls, such as 373 and 374, to releasably secure the pockets in acollapsed configuration.

Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 400 in FIG.8. The carton 400 is similar to the other embodiments 100 and 300 to theextent that it likewise has a first compartment 408 sized and configuredto snugly retain twelve twelve-ounce beverage cans 80 arranged side byside in a three by four array. Moreover, as on the carton 300, at leastone of the end walls 427 is secured in accordion-like fashion to thebeverage retaining compartment 408 of the carton 400. In particular,extended top wall 477 is connected to additional wall extension 476along a common edge at fold line 478. In this embodiment 400, the endwall 427 travels outward from the first compartment 408 to form a secondcompartment 409 that is substantially open on one side when not coveredby flap 417.

The opening 499 in the second compartment 409 is sized and configured toreceive a coolant pack 92, as an alternative cooling source to icecubes. The coolant pack 92 has an outer shell 93 that encloses acontainment space 94. Removal of a cap 95 provides access to thecontainment space 94, so that the coolant pack 92 can be filled with aliquid and subsequently emptied of the liquid as desired. The filledcoolant pack 92 is left in a freezer until needed, at which point it issimply inserted into the compartment 409 to provide a cooling source forthe beverage containers 80. One of many suitable alternatives to thecoolant pack 92 is a commercially available packet with chemicalcontents that undergo an endothermic reaction when manipulated.

An adhesive bearing flap 417 releasably secures the end wall 427 in acollapsed position. Subsequently, the flap 417 releasably covers theaccess opening 499 in the second compartment 409, as well as an accessopening 497 in the first compartment 408, through which beveragecontainers 80 may be removed. When the carton 400 is positioned so thatthe end wall 427 faces the ground or other support surface, the cans 80are accessible via the opening 497 and are proximate the coolant source92 immediately prior to removal from the carton.

Yet another carton constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention is designated as 500 in FIGS. 9-10. The carton 500 hasan exterior surface 501 and an interior space 502 that is bounded by aninterior surface 510. The carton 500 is assembled from a sheet of cardstock paper shown in FIG. 10, wherein the solid internal lines designatecuts in the paper 500, and the broken internal lines designates folds ofthe paper 500. The interior surface 510 of the card stock paper 500 iscoated with a water proof polymer that does not significantly hinderrecycling of the paper. A suitable coating for this purpose is soldunder the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minn.

The sheet of paper 500 includes portions which may be characterized asan end wall section 520, a side wall 530, an end wall 540, another sidewall 550, another end wall section 560, an intermediate wall 570, asupport panel 580, and another support panel 590. The end wall section520 is generally rectangular in shape and integrally joins a firstbottom flap 521 along fold line 522. The end wall section 520 extendslaterally from a distal side portion 523 to a fold line 512 extendingalong a junction between the end wall section 520 and the first sidewall 530. The end wall section 520 extends longitudinally from thebottom flap 521 up to a peak 524. A wedge-shaped notch 525 is cutbetween the peak 524 and the first side wall 530, and an angled edge 527extends from an opposite side of the peak 524 downward and outward tothe distal side portion 523.

The first side wall 530 is generally rectangular in shape and integrallyjoins a second bottom flap 531 along fold line 532. A line is cutbetween the first bottom flap 521 and the second bottom flap 531 toallow independent folding of the flaps. The first side wall 530 extendslaterally from the fold line 512 to another fold line 513 extendingalong a junction between the first side wall 530 and the end wall 540.The first side wall 530 extends longitudinally from the bottom flap 521up to an intermediate cover flap 533, a top flap 535, and a distal coverflap 536. The intermediate cover flap 533 is disposed between laterallyextending fold lines 534 and 538; the top flap is disposed betweenlateral fold lines 538 and 537; and the distal cover flap 536 isdisposed above the lateral fold line 537. Holes 539 are formed in thecover flaps 533 and 536 along opposite sides of the top flap 535. Thecover flaps 533 and 536 are substantially mirror images of one another,so that when they are folded about respective fold lines 538 and 537,corresponding holes 539 in the cover flaps 533 and 536 align with oneanother.

The end wall 540 is generally rectangular in shape and integrally joinsa third bottom flap 541 along fold line 542. A line is cut between thesecond bottom flap 531 and the third bottom flap 541 to allowindependent folding of the flaps. The end wall 540 extends laterallyfrom the fold line 513 to a fold line 514 extending along a junctionbetween the end wall 540 and the second side wall 550. The end wall 540extends longitudinally from the bottom flap 541 up to a pair of peaks544 and 548 separated by a V-shaped notch 547 disposed therebetween.Wedge-shaped notches 545 and 549 are cut between respective peaks 544and 548 and respective side walls 530 and 550. The notch 545 correspondsin size and configuration to the notch 525, and an edge of the notch 547corresponds in size and orientation to the edge 527 on the end wallsection 520.

The second side wall 550 is similar to the first side wall 530. Inparticular, the second side wall 550 is generally rectangular in shapeand integrally joins a fourth bottom flap 551 along fold line 552. Aline is cut between the third bottom flap 541 and the fourth bottom flap551 to allow independent folding of the flaps. The second side wall 550extends laterally from the fold line 514 to another fold line 515extending along a junction between the second side wall 550 and the endwall section 560. The second side wall 550 extends longitudinally fromthe bottom flap 551 up to an intermediate cover flap 553, a top flap555, and a distal cover flap 556. The intermediate cover flap 553 isdisposed between lateral fold lines 554 and 558; the top flap isdisposed between lateral fold lines 558 and 557; and the distal coverflap 556 is disposed above the lateral fold line 557. Holes 559 areformed in the cover flaps 553 and 556 on opposite sides of the top flap555. The cover flaps 553 and 556 are substantially mirror images of oneanother, so that when they are folded about respective fold lines 558and 557, corresponding holes 559 in the cover flaps 553 and 556 alignwith one another.

The end wall section 560 is generally rectangular in shape andintegrally joins a fifth bottom flap 561 along fold line 562. A line iscut between the fourth bottom flap 551 and the fifth bottom flap 561 toallow independent folding of the flaps. The end wall 560 extendslaterally from the fold line 515 to another fold line 516 extendingalong a junction between the end wall section 560 and the intermediatewall 570. The end wall 560 extends longitudinally from the bottom flap561 up to a peak 564. Notches 567 and 569 are cut on opposite sides ofthe peak 564. The notch 567 corresponds in size and configuration toone-half of the notch 547, and the notch 569 corresponds in size andconfiguration to the notch 549.

The intermediate wall 570 is generally rectangular in shape. Theintermediate wall 570 extends laterally from the fold line 516 toanother fold line 517 extending along a junction between theintermediate wall 570 and the first support wall 580. The intermediatewall 570 extends longitudinally from another fold line 518 extendingalong a junction between the intermediate wall 570 and the secondsupport wall 590, up to a distal handle portion 576. A fold line 577extends along the junction between the distal handle portion 576 and themain body of the intermediate wall 570. Holes 579 are formed in thedistal handle portion 576, and holes 575 are formed in the main body ofthe intermediate wall 570 in such a manner that the holes 575 and 579align relative to one another when the distal handle portion 576 isfolded about the fold line 577 and against the main body.

The first support wall 580 is generally rectangular in shape and extendslaterally from the fold line 517 to a distal flap portion 587. The firstsupport wall 580 extends longitudinally from a lower edge up to an upperedge. The first support wall 580 includes a first adjoining flap 573disposed between the fold line 517 and another fold line 574 extendingparallel to the fold line 517. The first support wall 580 furtherincludes a second adjoining flap 583 disposed between the fold line 574and another fold line 584 extending parallel to the fold line 574 alonga juncture between the end flap 583 and the main body of the firstsupport wall 580. A first transverse panel 581 is defined by acircuitous cut and fold line 582 in the first support wall 580. Thefirst transverse panel 581 includes a generally T-shaped flap 589defined by a substantially U-shaped cut and fold line 586 in the firstsupport wall 580. The first transverse panel 581 and the flap 589 arefolded relative to their respective fold lines 582 and 586 in such amanner that the interior side 510 of the first transverse panel 581faces toward the fold line 517, and the interior side 510 of the flap589 faces in the same direction as the interior side 510 of the firstsupport wall 580.

A second transverse panel 585 is defined by outer edges of the firstsupport wall 580, as well as a cut and fold line 586 in the firstsupport wall 580. The second transverse panel 585 includes a generallyT-shaped flap 587 defined by a substantially U-shaped cut and fold line588 in the first support wall 580. The second transverse panel 585 andthe second flap 587 are folded relative to their respective fold lines586 and 588 in such a manner that the interior side 510 of the secondtransverse panel 585 faces toward the fold line 517, and the interiorside 510 of the second flap 587 faces in the same direction as theinterior side 510 of the first support wall 580.

The second support wall 590 is generally rectangular in shape andextends laterally from a distal end flap 593 to a cut between the secondsupport wall 590 and the fifth bottom flap 561. The second support wall590 extends longitudinally from a lower edge up to a fold line 518extending along the juncture between the second support wall 590 and theintermediate wall 570. A first transverse panel 595 is defined by acircuitous cut and fold line 596 in the second support wall 590. Thefirst transverse panel 595 includes a generally T-shaped flap 597defined by a substantially U-shaped cut and fold line 598 in the secondsupport wall 590. The first transverse panel 595 and the flap 597 arefolded relative to their respective fold lines 596 and 598 in such amanner that the interior side 510 of the first transverse panel 595faces away from the fold line 517, and the interior side 510 of the flap597 faces in the same direction as the interior side 510 of the secondsupport wall 590.

A second transverse panel 591 is defined by outer edges of the secondsupport wall 590, as well as a cut along the fold line 518 between thesecond support wall 590 and the intermediate wall 570, and a fold line598 in the second support wall 590. The second transverse panel 591includes a generally T-shaped flap 593 defined by a substantiallyU-shaped cut and fold line 594 in the second support wall 590. Thesecond transverse panel 591 and the second flap 593 are folded relativeto their respective fold lines 598 and 594 in such a manner that theinterior side 510 of the second transverse panel 591 faces away from thefold line 517, and the interior side 510 of the second flap 593 faces inthe same direction as the interior side 510 of the second support wall590.

A water resistant adhesive is used to secure the sheet 500 in aconfiguration suitable for holding a quantity of ice together with sixbottles, as shown in FIG. 9. The adhesive is deposited in the regiondesignated as A on the coated side 510 of the intermediate wall 570and/or on a corresponding region on the second support wall 590. Thesecond support wall 590 is folded about the fold line 518 and intocontact with the region A, where it is secured adjacent the coated side510 of the intermediate wall 570. The adhesive is also deposited on theopposite or uncoated side (not shown) of the intermediate wall 570 in aregion that is an approximate mirror image of the region A and/or on acorresponding region on the first support wall 580. The adhesive isdeposited on the uncoated sides of the adjoining flaps 573 and 583, aswell. When the first support wall 580 is folded about the fold line 574and toward the uncoated side of the intermediate wall 570, the adjoiningflaps 573 and 583 are secured to one another, and the first support wall580 is secured adjacent the uncoated side of the intermediate wall 570.

The adhesive is deposited on the uncoated side (not shown) of the distalhandle portion 576. The distal handle portion 576 is then folded aboutthe fold line 577 toward the uncoated side of the intermediate wall 570and secured adjacent thereto by the adhesive. The adhesive is alsodeposited in the regions designated as C and D on the coated side 510 ofthe second side wall 550 and/or on the uncoated side of the flaps 593and 597. The intermediate wall 570 is folded about the fold line 516 andtoward the coated side 510 of the end wall section 560, which in turn,is folded about the fold line 515 and toward the coated side 510 of thesecond side wall 550. The uncoated side of the flap 593 is secured bythe adhesive to the region D on the coated side 510 of the second sidewall 550, and the transverse panel 591 extends substantiallyperpendicular between the intermediate wall 570 and the second side wall550. The uncoated side of the flap 597 is secured by the adhesive to theregion C on the coated side 510 of the second side wall 550, and thetransverse panel 595 extends substantially perpendicular between theintermediate wall 570 and the second side wall 550.

The flaps 573 and 583 are folded about their respective fold lines 574and 584 and toward the uncoated side of the intermediate wall 570. Theadhesive is deposited in the region designated as E on the coated side510 of the end wall 540 and/or on the coated side 510 of the flap 573.The second side wall 550 is folded about the fold line 514 and towardthe coated side 510 of the end wall 540. The flap 573 is secured by theadhesive to the region E on the coated side 510 of the end wall 540, andthe intermediate wall 570 extends substantially perpendicular from theend wall 540.

The adhesive is also deposited in the regions designated as F and G onthe coated side 510 of the first side wall 530 and/or on the coated side510 of the flaps 587 and 589. The end wall 540 is folded about the foldline 513 and toward the coated side 510 of the first side wall 530. Thecoated side 510 of the flap 587 is secured by the adhesive to the regionG on the coated side 510 of the first side wall 530, and the transversepanel 585 extends substantially perpendicular between the intermediatewall 570 and the first side wall 530. The coated side 510 of the flap589 is secured by the adhesive to the region F on the coated side 510 ofthe first side wall 530, and the transverse panel 581 extendssubstantially perpendicular between the intermediate wall 570 and thefirst side wall 530.

The adhesive is also deposited in the region designated as H on thecoated side 510 of the first bottom flap 521 and the distal side portion523 of the end wall section 520. The end wall section 520 and itsassociated bottom flap 521 are folded about the fold line 512 and towardthe coated side 510 of the first side wall 530. The first bottom flap521 overlaps a portion of the fifth bottom flap 562 and is secured tothe uncoated side thereof by the adhesive in the region H. The distalside portion 523 overlaps the end wall section 560 and is secured to theuncoated side thereof, beneath the wedge-shaped notch 567, by theadhesive in the region H.

The first and fifth bottom flaps 521 and 561 are folded about theirrespective fold lines 522 and 562 toward the interior 502 of the carton500. The third bottom flap 541 is also folded about its respective foldline 542 toward the interior 502 of the carton 500. The adhesive isdeposited on the exposed, uncoated sides of these flaps 521, 561, and541 and/or in the region designated as J on the coated side 510 of thesecond bottom flap 531. The second bottom flap 531 is folded about itsrespective fold line 532 and toward the interior 502 of the carton 500and is secured relative to the flaps 521, 561, and 541 by the adhesivedeposited therebetween. The adhesive is also deposited in the regiondesignated as K on the coated side 510 of the fourth bottom flap 551,which is then folded about its respective fold line 552 and toward theinterior of the carton 500 and is secured relative to the flaps 551,521, 561, and 541 by the adhesive deposited therebetween. At this stage,the carton 500 has interconnected side walls, end walls, and bottom wallcapable of containing ice and/or water.

Six bottles 85 are packaged within the interior space 502 of the carton500. Adjacent bottles 85 are separated either by one of the transversepanels 581, 585, 591, or 595, or by the intermediate wall 570. Each ofthe top walls 535 and 555 is folded about a respective fold line 538 or558 and rests on top of a series or row of three bottle caps. Each ofthe distal cover walls 536 and 556 is folded about a respective foldline 537 or 557 and opposite a respective intermediate cover wall 533 or553. The holes 539 and 559 are disposed on opposite sides of arespective row of bottle caps, and the bottle caps protrude through theholes 539 and 559 and thereby retain the distal cover walls 536 and 556in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 9.

Either or both of the distal cover walls 536 and 556 may be disengagedfrom a respective row of bottle caps to gain access to the interiorspace 502 for purposes of removing a bottle 85 or disposing ice withinthe carton 500. The handle portion 576 and an upper portion of theintermediate wall 570 extend upward between the two rows of bottles 85and present openings 579 and 575. A person may conveniently lift andcarry the carton 500 by placing one or more fingers through the openings579 and 575.

Still another carton or cooler constructed according to the principlesof the present invention is designated as 600 in FIGS. 11-12. Contraryto the previously described embodiments, the cooler 600 is notspecifically designed to accommodate any particular item or items, suchas a set of beverage containers. Rather, the cooler 600 is designed tobe of a more universal nature, for keeping any suitably sized item belowambient temperature. Anticipated uses for the cooler 600 include shortterm storage and/or transportation of food, drink, and medicine.However, those skilled in the art will recognize other applications, aswell.

The cooler 600 has an exterior surface 601 and an interior space 602that is bounded by an interior surface 610. The cooler 600 is assembledfrom a sheet of corrugated cardboard designated as 600 in FIG. 12. Theinterior surface 610 of the cardboard 600 is coated with a water proofsubstance sold under the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLC ofMinneapolis, Minn. The paper 600 coated with this substance isdisposable and repulpable.

The sheet of cardboard 600 includes portions which may be characterizedas a bottom wall 620, a first side wall 621, a second side wall 623, afirst end wall 625, and a second side wall 627. The bottom wall 620 andthe first side wall 621 are integrally joined to one another along foldline 622. The bottom wall 620 and the second side wall 623 areintegrally joined to one another along fold line 624. The fold lines 622and 624 extend parallel to one another along opposite sides of therectangular bottom wall 620. The bottom wall 620 and the first end wall625 are integrally joined to one another along fold line 626. The bottomwall 620 and the second end wall 627 are integrally joined to oneanother along fold line 628. The fold lines 626 and 628 extend parallelto one another along opposite ends of the rectangular bottom wall 620,and perpendicular to the fold lines 622 and 624.

The side walls 621 and 623 are rectangular and similar to one another insize and configuration. The end walls 625 and 627 are also similar toone another in size and configuration. Each of the end walls 625 and 627includes a substantially square portion 690 and 695 and a substantiallytriangular portion 691 and 696, respectively. Each of the triangularportions 691 and 696 has a base side that coincides with a side of arespective square portion 690 or 695 opposite the bottom wall 620, and apair of equal length sides or edges that converge from the base toward arespective distal tab 692 or 697. A rectangular slot 693 or 698 isformed in each of the triangular portions 691 and 696 including portionsof the tabs 692 and 697, respectively.

A first top wall 680 is integrally joined to the first side wall 621along fold line 681. The first top wall 680 is generally rectangular inshape and extends from the first side wall 621 to a first handle flap682, which is integrally joined to the first top wall 680 along foldline 683. The first handle flap 682 is generally rectangular in shape,and a rectangular slot 684 is formed through a central portion thereof.

A second top wall 670 is integrally joined to the second side wall 623along fold line 671. The second top wall 670 is generally rectangular inshape and extends from the second side wall 623 to a second handle flap672, which is integrally joined to the second top wall 670 along foldline 673. A third handle flap 674 is integrally joined to the secondhandle flap 672 along fold line 675, which extends parallel to the foldline 673. The third handle flap 674 is a mirror image of the secondhandle flap 672, relative to the fold line 675. The second and thirdhandle flaps 672 and 674 are generally rectangular in shape, and arectangular slot 678 is formed through a central portion of each.Substantially L-shaped members 676 extend from opposite ends of each ofthe second and third handle flaps 672 and 674 and toward the fold line675, thereby defining gaps 677.

A first corner flap 630 integrally interconnects the first end wall 625and the second side wall 623. The flap 630 includes a first portion 631in the shape of a right isosceles triangle, and a second portion 633 inthe shape of a right isosceles triangle similar in size andconfiguration to the first portion 631. A shorter side of the firsttriangular portion 631 is defined along fold line 632 at the junctionbetween the second side wall 623 and the flap 630. The other shorterside of the first triangular portion 631 extends perpendicularly awayfrom the second side wall 623. A shorter side of the second triangularportion 633 is defined along fold line 634 at the junction between thefirst end wall 625 and the flap 630. The other shorter side of thesecond triangular portion 633 extends perpendicularly away from thefirst end wall 625. The triangular portions 631 and 633 share a commonhypotenuse along fold line 635 at the juncture therebetween. Thus, thetriangular portions 631 and 633 cooperate to define a square corner flap630, and the fold line 635 extends diagonally across the flap 630, froman exterior corner to an interior corner formed by the bottom wall 620,the second side wall 623, and the first end wall 625.

Similarly, a second corner flap 640 integrally interconnects the secondend wall 627 and the second side wall 623. The flap 640 includes a firstportion 641 in the shape of a right isosceles triangle, and a secondportion 643 in the shape of a right isosceles triangle similar in sizeand configuration to the first portion 641. A shorter side of the firsttriangular portion 641 is defined along fold line 642 at the junctionbetween the second side wall 623 and the flap 640. The other shorterside of the first triangular portion 641 extends perpendicularly awayfrom the second side wall 623. A shorter side of the second triangularportion 643 is defined along fold line 644 at the junction between thesecond end wall 627 and the flap 640. The other shorter side of thesecond triangular portion 643 extends perpendicular away from the secondend wall 627. The triangular portions 641 and 643 share a commonhypotenuse along fold line 645 at the juncture therebetween. Thus, thetriangular portions 641 and 643 cooperate to define a square corner flap640, and the fold line 645 extends diagonally across the flap 640, froman exterior corner to an interior corner formed by the bottom wall 620,the second side wall 623, and the second end wall 627. The fold line 624extends co-linearly between the fold line 644 and the fold line 634.

A third corner flap 650 integrally interconnects the first end wall 625and the first side wall 621. The flap 650 includes a first portion 651in the shape of a trapezoid, and a second portion 653 in the shape of aright isosceles triangle. The portions 651 and 653 are integrally joinedto one another along fold line 655, which extends along the longerparallel side of the first, trapezoidal portion 651 and the hypotenuseof the second, triangular portion 653. The first, trapezoidal portion651 includes a right isosceles triangle that is a mirror image of thesecond portion 653 relative to the fold line 655, as well as anotherportion 656 substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle. One ofthe shorter sides of the mirror image triangular portion of the first,trapezoidal portion 651 coincides with a longer, base side of thetriangular portion 656. The other shorter side of the mirror imagetriangular portion of the first, trapezoidal portion 651 is definedalong fold line 652 at the junction between the first side wall 621 andthe flap 650. The fold line 626 extends co-linearly between the foldline 652 and the fold line 632.

A shorter side of the second, triangular portion 653 is defined alongfold line 654 at the junction between the first end wall 625 and theflap 650. The other shorter side of the second, triangular portion 653extends perpendicularly away from the first end wall 625. The portions651 and 653 cooperate to define a square corner flap 650 with theisosceles triangle 656 extending from an outer edge thereof. The shortersides of the isosceles triangle 656 converge from opposite sides of thesquare corner flap 650 to a distal tab 657. A rectangular slot 658 isformed through a portion of the isosceles triangle 656 including aportion of the distal tab 657. The triangular portion 656, the tab 657,and the slot 658 are similar in size and configuration to the those ofthe first end wall 625.

Similarly, a fourth corner flap 660 integrally interconnects the secondend wall 627 and the first side wall 621. The flap 660 includes a firstportion 661 in the shape of a trapezoid, and a second portion 663 in theshape of a right isosceles triangle. The portions 661 and 663 areintegrally joined to one another along fold line 665, which extendsalong the longer parallel side of the first, trapezoidal portion 661 andthe hypotenuse of the second, triangular portion 663. The first,trapezoidal portion 661 includes a right isosceles triangle that is amirror image of the second portion 663 relative to the fold line 665, aswell as another portion 666 substantially in the shape of an isoscelestriangle. One of the shorter sides of the mirror image triangularportion of the first, trapezoidal portion 661 coincides with thehypotenuse of the triangular portion 666. The other shorter side of themirror image triangular portion of the first, trapezoidal portion 661 isdefined along fold line 662 at the junction between the first side wall621 and the flap 660. The fold line 628 extends co-linearly between thefold line 662 and the fold line 642.

A shorter side of the second, triangular portion 663 is defined alongfold line 664 at the junction between the second end wall 627 and theflap 660. The fold line 622 extends co-linearly between the fold line664 and the fold line 654. The other shorter side of the second,triangular portion 663 extends perpendicularly away from the second endwall 627. The portions 661 and 663 cooperate to define a square cornerflap 660 with the isosceles triangle 666 extending from an outer edgethereof. The shorter sides of the isosceles triangle 666 converge fromopposite sides of the square corner flap 660 to a distal tab 667. Arectangular slot 668 is formed through a portion of the isoscelestriangle 666 including a portion of the distal tab 667. The triangularportion 666, the tab 667, and the slot 668 are similar in size andconfiguration to the those of the second end wall 627.

To arrive at the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the side walls 621 and623 are folded about respective fold lines 622 and 624 so that theinterior or coated side 610 of each face one another. Likewise, the endwalls 625 and 627 are folded about respective fold lines 626 and 628 sothat the interior or coated side 610 of each face one another. Thecorner flaps 630, 640, 650, and 660 fold about respective diagonal foldlines 635, 645, 655, and 665 in such a manner that the uncoated sides ofeach face one another, and the corner flaps are contained within thehousing defined by the side walls 621 and 623 and the end walls 625 and627. At this stage, the cooler 600 has interconnected side walls, endwalls, and bottom wall capable of containing ice and/or water, as wellas one or more objects to be cooled or kept cool. While the corner flapsare held against neighboring end walls, the object(s) and the ice areplaced in the cooler and thereafter may function to maintain the cornerflaps against the neighboring walls. The slots 658 and 668 through thecorner flaps 650 and 660 align with the slots 693 and 698 through theend walls 625 and 627, respectively.

The end walls 625 and 627 are moved slightly away from one another toallow clearance therebetween for the top walls and the handle flaps. Thefirst and second top walls 680 and 670 are folded about respective foldlines 681 and 671 and toward one another. The first and second handleflaps 682 and 672 are folded about respective fold lines 683 and 673 sothat their coated sides 610 are parallel to and in contact with oneanother. The third handle flap 674 is folded about fold line 675 so thatthe coated side 610 of the third handle flap 674 is parallel to and incontact with the uncoated side of the first handle flap 682. At thisstage, the first handle flap 682 is sandwiched between the second andthird handle flaps 672 and 674. The overlapping pairs of L-shapedmembers 676 are inserted into slots 658 and 668 in respective cornerflaps 650 and 660 and slots 693 and 698 in respective end walls 625 and627. Portions of the corner flaps and the end walls immediately beneaththe slots interengage or insert into the gaps 677 and thereby secure thecooler 600 in the configuration shown in FIG. 11. The aligned slots 684and 678 in the handle flaps provide a means for conveniently lifting andcarrying the cooler 600.

Another sheet of corrugated cardboard, from which a cooler similar tothe foregoing embodiment 600 may be assembled, is designated as 700 inFIG. 13. The cardboard sheet 700 has an interior surface 710 and anopposite, exterior surface (not shown). The interior surface 710 iscoated with a water proof substance sold under the trademark PROTECOAT3003 by NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minn. Cardboard or paper coated withthis substance is disposable and repulpable.

The sheet of cardboard 700 includes portions which may be characterizedas a bottom wall 720, a first side wall 721, a second side wall 723, afirst end wall 725, and a second end wall 727, all of which havesimilarly named and numbered counterparts on the carton 600 discussedabove. The sheet of cardboard 700 likewise includes portions which maybe characterized as a first top wall 780 and a second top wall 770, bothof which have similarly named and numbered counterparts on the carton600 discussed above.

The sheet of cardboard 700 further includes corner flaps 730, 740, 750,and 760, all of which are similarly shaped, and all of which arefunctionally similar to the corner flaps 630 and 640 on the carton 600discussed above. Notches 739, 749, 759, and 769 are formed in respectivedistal corners of each of the corner flaps 730, 740, 750, and 760 andeffectively square off these distal corners when the sheet 700 ismanipulated into a carton similar to the carton 600 shown in FIG. 11.

The sheet of cardboard 700 does not include a first handle flap similarto that included on the carton 600. Rather, a handle flap 772 isconnected to the first top wall 780, with a fold line 783 extendingtherebetween. Also, the sheet of cardboard 700 does not include a secondhandle flap similar to that included on the carton 600. Rather, a handleflap 774 is connected to the second top wall 770, with a fold line 773extending therebetween. As a result of these changes vis-a-vis thecarton 600, the sheet 700 is symmetrical about a reference line drawnthrough the slots 793 and 798 in the end walls 725 and 727,respectively.

Each of the handle flaps 772 and 774 includes L-shaped tabs or earswhich extend away from opposite sides of each flap and then towardcounterparts on the opposite flap. When the sheet 700 is manipulatedinto a carton, the handle flaps 772 and 774 abut one another, andadjacent ears 776 extend through each of the slots 793 and 798 to holdthe carton together.

Although the present invention is described with reference to particularembodiments and applications, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the present invention is not so limited. For example, the presentinvention is no less applicable to "six packs" or any other carton sizeor configuration other than the "twelve packs" shown herein. Also, thepresent invention is not limited to beverage containers or anyparticular type of beverage containers. The present invention isdescribed with reference to a carton for cans simply because thatparticular carton size and configuration is common in the market place.

Those skilled in the art will further recognize that other types ofmaterials and patterns could be used for cartons constructed and usedaccording to the present invention. For example, many other forms ofpaper-based sheet products, including paper and cardboard, are suitablematerials for constructing embodiments of the present invention. Also,many forms of cooling sources, including ice and endothermic chemicalpackets, are suitable materials for use in conjunction with embodimentsof the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is to be limited only to the extent of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterproof package, comprising;a plurality ofwalls that interengage to form a package, the package having arectangular parallelepiped-shaped first configuration enclosing a firstvolume suitable for snugly retaining a set of beverage containers forstorage and shipment, and a second configuration where the plurality ofwalls enclose a second volume, the second volume including the firstvolume and an additional volume, wherein the package in the secondconfiguration is adapted to retain and enclose the beverage containersand a quantity of ice proximate the set of beverage containers, andwherein the package in the second configuration comprises a carryinghandle formed above the second volume; and a waterproof coating on oneor more of the plurality of walls.
 2. The package according to claim 1wherein the waterproof coating is repulpable.
 3. A method of making acarton for packaging beverage containers, comprising:providing a sheetof paper, the sheet of paper having a waterproof coating on one or moresides; folding the sheet of paper along a plurality of fold lineswherein the sheet has portions that interengage to retain the sheet inthe form of a carton, the carton having a bottom, a pair of opposing endwalls, and a pair of opposing sidewalls; providing at least one enclosedexpandable pocket on the carton; and providing a carrying handleopposite the bottom wherein the handle is formed by extensions of theopposing sidewalls.
 4. The method according to claim 3, furthercomprising forming the carrying handle on an end of the expandablepocket.
 5. The method according to claim 3, further comprisingreleasably securing the expandable pocket in a closed position relativeto the carton to facilitate shipment of the carton.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising disposing beverage containersin the carton by positioning the beverage containers upright and side byside.
 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein said bottom, said endwalls and said sidewalls cooperate to retain water when the carton isproperly oriented, and providing at least one expandable pocket on thecarton is accomplished in a manner that allows a cooling source to beplaced in fluid communication with the beverage containers.
 8. A waterresistant, cardboard carton for beverage containers comprising:arectangular, water resistant bottom having a perimeter; a first waterresistant side wall extending upward from a side of said bottom; asecond water resistant side wall extending upward from an opposite sideof said bottom; a first water resistant end wall extending upward froman end of said bottom, wherein said first end wall is segregated into afirst upper portion and a first rectangular lower portion by a firstfold line extending parallel to said bottom, wherein said first upperportion is substantially an isosceles triangle and defines a first slot;a second water resistant end wall extending upward from an opposite endof said bottom, wherein said second end wall is segregated into a secondupper portion and a second rectangular portion by a second fold lineextending parallel to said bottom, wherein said second upper portion issubstantially an isosceles triangle and defines a second slot; a firstwater resistant corner flap connecting a side end of said first sidewall to an adjacent side end of said first end wall, wherein an interiorcorner of said first corner flap, adjacent to said first side wall andto said first end wall, is bisected by a first fold line; a second waterresistant corner flap connecting an opposite side end of said first sidewall to an adjacent side end of said second end wall, wherein aninterior corner of said second corner flap, adjacent to said first sidewall and to said second end is bisected by a second fold line; a thirdwater resistant corner flap connecting a side end of said second sidewall to an adjacent side end of said first end wall, wherein an interiorcorner of said third corner flap, adjacent to said second side wall andto said first end, is bisected by a third fold line; a fourth waterresistant corner flap connecting an opposite side end of said secondside wall to an adjacent side end of said second end wall, wherein aninterior corner of said fourth corner flap, adjacent to said second sidewall and to said first end, is bisected by a fourth fold line, and saidside walls, said end walls, and said corner flaps cooperate with saidbottom to define an open-ended, seamless, water resistant compartment inwhich the beverage containers are packaged; and a coolant storage meansfor storing a coolant proximate the beverage containers comprising:afirst water resistant top wall connected to an upper end of said firstside wall; a second water resistant top wall connected to an upper endof said second side wall; a first handle flap connected to an upper endof said first top wall, and defining a first gap proximate a first sideend of said first handle flap, and defining a second gap proximate asecond side end of said first handle flap; and a second handle flapconnected to an upper end of said second top wall, wherein said handleflaps fold toward one another and into contact, and said first upperportion folds towards said first side end of said first handle flap, andsaid first slot engages said first gap, and said second upper portionfolds towards said second side of said first handle flap, and saidsecond slot engages said second gap.
 9. The carton according to claim 8wherein the carton is repulpable.
 10. A twelve-pack of beveragecontainers comprising a one-piece carton housing the beveragecontainers, the carton including a bottom, a pair of opposing end wallshaving end wall extensions, and a pair of opposing side walls havingsidewall extensions, wherein the carton, in a first configuration, isfastened to provide a shippable, stackable carton where the end wallextensions and sidewall extensions cooperate with the bottom, the endwalls, and the sidewalls to generally define three pairs of orthogonalsides, and in a second configuration, may be unfastened to release theend wall extensions and the side wall extensions to provide a volumeabove the beverage containers to receive ice, and in a thirdconfiguration, provides that the volume above the beverage containersmay be enclosed with the sidewall extensions and the end wall extensionswherein the sidewall extensions define a one-handed handle above thecarton.
 11. The twelve pack of claim 10 further comprising a quantity ofice.
 12. The twelve-pack of claim 10 wherein the carton furthercomprises a waterproof coating.
 13. The twelve-pack of claim 12 whereinthe waterproof coating is repulpable.
 14. A method for transportingbeverage containers comprising providing a one-piece package having awaterproof coating applied thereto, the package having a first, sealedconfiguration amenable to shipping the beverage containers and a second,open configuration providing access to the beverage containers withinthe package, and a third, closed configuration in which both thebeverage containers and an additional volume are enclosed within thepackage, wherein a handle is provided above the beverage containers whenthe package is in the third, closed configuration.
 15. A method fortransporting beverage containers comprising:providing a package having awaterproof coating applied thereto, the package having a first, sealedconfiguration amenable to shipping and a second, open configurationproviding access to the package from above wherein a quantity of ice maybe added, and a third, closed configuration enclosing the beveragecontainers and the quantity of ice wherein a handle is provided abovethe beverage containers and ice when the package is in the third, closedconfiguration; adding the beverage containers; and adding the quantityof ice.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the package and thewaterproof coating are repulpable.
 17. A method of shipping beercontainers comprising:providing a one-piece package, the package havinga repulpable, waterproof coating applied to one or more portions;loading a plurality of beer containers into the package; sealing thepackage to define a first, sealed configuration amenable to shipping;shipping the package to a retailer; selling the package to a consumer;unsealing the package to define a second, open configuration providingaccess to the package; adding a quantity of ice to the package when thepackage is in the second, open configuration; and closing the package todefine a third, closed configuration enclosing the beer containers andthe ice.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing aone-handed handle above the ice and beer containers, the handle adaptedto carry the package in the third configuration.
 19. A method ofshipping beverage containers comprising:providing a one-piece package,the package having a repulpable, waterproof coating applied to one ormore portions; loading a plurality of beverage containers into thepackage; sealing the package to define a first, sealed configurationamenable to shipping; shipping the package to a retailer; selling thepackage to a consumer; unsealing the package to define a second, openconfiguration providing access to the package; adding a quantity of iceto the package when the package is in the second, open configuration;and closing the package to define a third, closed configurationenclosing the beverage containers and the ice.
 20. The method of claim19 further comprising providing a one-handed handle above the quantityof ice and the plurality of beverage containers, the handle adapted tocarry the package in the third configuration.
 21. An article,comprising:a plurality of beverage containers; a quantity of ice; and aunitary material portion comprising:a bottom panel; a pair of opposingend walls, each end wall defining a slot, the end walls interconnectedwith the bottom panel; a pair of opposing sidewalls interconnected withthe bottom panel and the end walls such that the bottom panel,sidewalls, and end walls enclose the beverage containers and thequantity of ice wherein at least one of the bottom panel, sidewalls, andend walls have a waterproof coating applied thereto; and a handleportion opposite the bottom panel comprising tabs positionable in eachof the slots of the end walls.
 22. The article according to claim 21,wherein the handle portion further comprises openings formed through theopposing sidewall extensions.
 23. The article according to claim 22wherein the waterproof coating is repulpable.